Surrounded (Unsettled Series Book 2) (4 page)

After I said good night to a now exhausted sounding Brooklyn, I cleaned myself up and went back to work. It was around one AM when I finally crawled into bed. Going over my notes about the Seattle job took longer than I thought. Sometimes being a young CEO had its disadvantages—especially when the only thing I could truly focus on was how long it would be before I saw my girl again. Although my body was relaxed, my mind wouldn’t shut down long enough for me to fall asleep. My thoughts went back to what Trev had brought up earlier in the evening. He was right. I hadn’t planned on getting in another relationship after Ash. But then Brooklyn happened, and things changed. I guess I could understand why he was surprised though. My relationship with Ash hadn’t exactly been the easiest road to travel.

Ashley and I met my first year at Cornell. Her father was the Dean of Admissions and she was well known around campus. For three months Trev begged me to join him in pledging Chi Xi. At first I said no because getting shit-faced and hurling over guard rails on random street corners didn’t appeal much to me. Most of the frat boys were excited to be able to drink and party, but I was past that. I’d mastered numbing myself with Scotch from my dad’s stash and then masking the smell with Listerine and peppermints long before my freshman year. I was lucky. My drinking never turned into anything serious, but it did help take the edge off sometimes. Trev was excited when I finally gave in and changed my mind about pledging. He didn’t need to know that the real reason was I’d found out Ashely Matthewson was pledging our sister sorority.

In a matter of time, we’d both earned our letters and were dating. Things had been good in the beginning. But after graduation, our differences started emerging. I could no longer ignore that Ashely had become a pretender. A poser. A climber. While she was busy playing the socialite, I was busy trying to ignore the fact we were growing apart. At the end of the day though, we just weren’t right for each other. I wanted normalcy—I mean as normal as I could get being as wealthy as I am.  She wanted glamour. I wanted private evenings and weekends with the occasional outing watching the game at the local sports bar.

I was shocked at just how low Ashley was willing to stoop to acquire all the things her heart desired. Surprisingly though, when I traced the money from my foundation back to an account that I never even knew she had, I called off our engagement and demanded that she move out of the penthouse apartment we’d been sharing in Bethesda. In the end,
loving me just wasn’t enough for Ashley. She loved the money more...and the concierge chef that worked on the bottom level of the L.L.A.P Foundation Building, which I later discovered.

As for the foundation, I had my accountant replace the money out of my personal bank account.

It was a fresh start.
What I needed.

With Ashley, there was always something in my gut that told me she wasn’t my exact match, but I hadn’t genuinely expected her to be the completely wrong one for me either. But things were different with Brooklyn. She really could be my right one.

Logan

I boarded the leer jet the next morning right on time. “Good morning Jon.”

“Morning, Logan.”

“It’s cloudy out today,” I said, observing the gray blanket outside the window. 

“It’ll burn off soon. We should have a smooth ride into Seattle. All we have are wings and prayers.” Jon recited that same line almost every time we flew. He said he only controlled the wings, and said a prayer about everything else that was out of his hands.

“Good to know.” I took a seat in the chair on the aisle. I buckled my lap belt and pulled out my laptop. Waiting in my inbox was an email from Brooklyn.

______________
__________________________

From: Brooklyn Caldwell

To: Logan Colton

Subject: The early bird catches…

Tuesday, May 15, 2012 at 6:30 AM

Hey you,

I know you’re probably surprised to hear from me today, but I just wanted to catch you before you left and let you know that I’ll be thinking about you…and what we did last night…I can’t believe I just admitted that!

Okay, don’t work too hard and I’ll see you when you get back. Missing you already.

--xo

--B

___________________________________________

I smiled as I typed back my response.

From: Logan Colton

To: Brooklyn Caldwell

RE: The early bird catches…the worm?

Tuesday, May 15, 2012 at 10:05 AM

Hey babe,

I woke up this morning with thoughts of you on my mind. Hopefully I can get back early. Maybe when I get back you can formally introduce me to Jack ;).

Heading down the runway so I have to turn my computer off for a while. Talk later. Missing you.

-x

--L

__________________________________________

Twenty minutes into the flight Jon turned off the seat belt sign and I pulled my laptop back out. I needed to review the plans one more time for the Fremont Bridge and determine just how Palisin Construction could improve the infrastructure. Palisin called in my company to consult on the project and provide insight. Scott and I were supposed to be going on this trip together, but he ended up getting stuck on another consulting job, so this one was all me. I pulled up Marshall’s notes for the project and began to read through all the details. When my inbox pinged, I minimized my screen and was surprised to see an email from Elizabeth. I clicked on her name and read the message.

______________
____________________________

From: Elizabeth Drexel

To: Logan Colton

Subject: Hey

Tuesday, May 15, 2012 at 10:20 AM

L—

Hope things are going well! I remember you said you’d be in Seattle this week, and I just wanted to check in and see when. I just arrived yesterday. Let’s get together for coffee and catch up. You can tell me what you have planned for the L.L.A.P. foundation benefit, it’s coming up soon, right? Too bad I won’t be able to attend this year.”

-Liz

______________
_________________________

From: Logan Colton

To: Elizabeth Drexel

RE: Hey

Tuesday, May 15, 2012 at 10:30 AM

Elizabeth,

I’ll be staying at Hotel 1000. When I get some time I’ll get in touch.

Cheers,

Logan

I had no idea why Elizabeth was so eager to meet up. I didn’t intend on reaching out while in Seattle. I would be too busy and my prime concern was nailing this meeting and then getting back to DC. Six hours later we were just thirty minutes outside of Seattle and I was eager to get off my flight and get settled in. It was almost 4PM in DC, so I hoped I’d be able to catch Brooklyn once she got off work.

Just then I remembered there was one more thing I needed to do before I landed in Seattle. Alex texted me late last night with the information for Brooklyn’s benefit dress. Actually, her one line message read, “Amazeballs!” I wasn’t even sure what that meant, but assumed it was good. I pulled it up on my computer and was glad to know that I agreed with her decision. The green dress would look great on Brooklyn.

I clicked through Alex’s dress details and then forwarded the info to Jen so that she could place the order. Just as I was about to close down my laptop, an ad on the side of the screen caught my eye. I clicked on the information and smiled. I sent that link to Jen too. I packed away all my things and slid my arms into my coat. My online weather app was predicting rain.

When I stepped off the plane onto the tarmac, I ran over and climbed into the back of the town car and settled in. I hadn’t been to Seattle in a while and hoped that it didn’t rain the whole time I was there.

I pulled out my cellphone and dialed Brooklyn’s cell.

After a couple rings, her voicemail picked up.

You’ve reached me, leave a message.

As soon as I heard her recorded voice, I smiled. Leave it to her to have a classic one-liner as a greeting.

But instead of leaving a voicemail, I hung up and texted her.

Made it. Wish you were here. Have fun with Alex while I’m gone. But not too much. Don’t burn down the place either!

After a few minutes I got a series of messages back from her in response.

Matches

Lighter fluid

Great big open space with tiny windows, check. Perfect recipe for a fire

I typed back quickly.
You’re making me nervous. If anything goes down, I’ll be blaming it on the uninvited pyromaniac.

Ha-ha
. Headed over in a couple hours. Hurry up with all those meetings and get back here. We have some unfinished business to tend to. XO…B

Yes we do. Just got to the hotel so I’ll check in with you later. Wait up for me if you can. XO back at you.

I slid my phone into my jacket and stepped out of the town car. The weather was turning against me as I felt light sprinkles drizzle into my hair. I adjusted my collar around my neck and picked up my stride to reach the doors faster before the skies opened completely.

I stepped into the automated turn style doors, following them until I stood in the lobby entrance. Hotel 1000 was my preferred hotel of choice when I came to Seattle.

The hostess behind the dark wood counter greeted me with a warm smile and bright blue eyes. “Good evening, welcome to Hotel 1000.” She swept her black hair around her neck, as she spoke. I watched as her eyes quickly moved up and down my body. I smiled inwardly at the realization that she was checking me out. She wasn’t as flamboyant about it as some other women had been, but it was still noticeable.

I coughed lightly to give her a chance to bring her eyes back to my face. “Good evening. I’m checking in.” I pulled my credit card and I.D. out of my wallet and placed it on the counter.”

She tapped on the keyboard in front of her, “Ah, Mr. Colton. Welcome. We have all your information and your room is ready. I’ll have the bellman take your bags upstairs.”

“Great, thank you.” I accepted my cards back and slid them into my wallet.

As I was signing the receipt, I felt a pair of hands slide over my eyes.

“Guess who?” A female voice said from behind me.

“Elizabeth?” I asked. I grabbed at the hand over my eyes and turned around. Elizabeth was standing in front of me wearing a black dress and red flats.

“How did you know?” It wasn’t hard placing her Texas accent.

“Lucky guess” I said, turning back around to hand the receipt to the clerk. I could see her eyeing Elizabeth. I wasn’t sure if she was trying to place her face or shooting daggers because she had her hand on my arm.

“Thank you. Have a good evening, Sir” she said, filing away the paperwork and handing me my key.

I grabbed my briefcase from the counter and turned to face Elizabeth again. To my surprise she leaned and wrapped her arms around my neck, forcing me to lean in.

“It’s good to see you” she said, tightening her grip. I wrapped my free hand around her back and chuckled trying to diffuse the awkwardness I felt about this situation. I didn’t want to be a dick to her, but I didn’t want to be mauled in public.
I knew how the wrong media could get out, and I didn’t want Brooklyn seeing that shit. I pulled back slightly, causing her to loosen her embrace.

“What are you doing here?” I asked, with a guarded smile. “I barely got here a few minutes ago.”

“Oh, well, you know one of my cast mates is staying in this hotel, but when I thought I spotted you, I just wanted to say hey. Want to grab a drink?” I knew her being here wasn’t coincidence, even if she tried to lie and say it was. As if she knew I was second guessing her answer, she cocked her head and smiled broadly, as if that would make me change my mind.

“I just landed and I have some business I need to take care of. Can I take a rain check? I’ve really got a lot of things to do” I asked. I really just wanted to head to my suite and call the girl that was waiting in DC for me, but she didn’t need to know that. All she needed to understand was that even though we’d been together once it wouldn’t happen again. Brooklyn was the only one allowed in my head space.

“Oh, c’mon, L. We rarely see one another. We could even discuss your foundation. I still want to do something to help out L.L.A.P. So come on. Just one drink.” She grabbed my hand. “Look, the bar is just right there.” Any other time I would have told her I was too busy. But if she was serious about doing something for my foundation, it would behoove me to hear what she had to say.

“Okay, just one drink.” I just hoped she didn’t get the wrong idea since I was now following her towards the dimly lit bar lined with indoor plants. The red fluorescent light danced on the wood planked walls. As soon as we walked in we found a booth near a window in the back.

Elizabeth dropped her purse onto the bench seat. “You know what, I’ll be right back. I just need to go to the ladies room quickly.”

“Okay. Do you want me to order for you?”

“No it’s fine. I’ll be right back.”

“Alright, I’ll be here.” I
pulled off my layers and rested my coat next to me, then took my phone out of my pocket and texted Brooklyn.

Hey, got tied up with an old acquaintance, but I’ll give you a call in a while. Want to hear your voice.

Just as I finished hitting send, Elizabeth slid into the booth, smiling. My eyes wandered past her to the guy staring in our direction. He gave me a curt nod and turned back around on his stool, focusing on the TV above the bar.

Elizabeth’s voice filtered into my ears. “Can you turn off the CEO persona for a while?” she
asked, staring at the phone in my hand.

“For a little while, I suppose
.” I lifted my eyes to meet hers.

“Good. Now let’s catch up.”

She turned and raised her hand. The waitress raised her finger and smiled in acknowledgement.

“I thin
k I’m going to have a Daiquiri,” she said, smiling at me, while she turned the shiny gold bangle on her tiny wrist. Just then the waitress came over to our table, “Good evening. What can I get you both?” she asked.

“Hi, I’ll have a strawberry Daiquiri, please.”

“I’ll take Vodka with a twist.”

As the waitress headed down the walkway to fill our orders, Elizabeth stopped her in her tracks. “Oh, excuse me?” she called over the head of the guy sitting behind her. 

“Yes?”

“One more thing, sorry, can you make mine a virgin please?” she asked shyly. I watched her as Elizabeth shifted uneasily as she made her request. She seemed embarrassed and I was confused. It had been her idea to grab drinks. If she wasn’t up to it, she should’ve never mentioned it.

“No problem. I’ll be back shortly,” The waitress scribbled down Elizabeth’s request and then disappeared.

Elizabeth pulled her hair behind her ear and turned back to face me. “So where were we?’ she asked.

“Laying off the hard stuff?”

“My stomach is just a little off, with the flight and all that. I flew in from London so after twelve hours on a plane, everything feels a bit off. I’m fine, though. Sweet of you to ask.” She flashed me her coy Hollywood smile. The way she brushed off my question and clammed up was unusual. She’d always been an open book in the past. It was one of the things I’d liked about her.

“How long are you in town?” she asked.

“Just until Friday morning. Not a long trip at all.”

Just then, our waitress arrived with our drinks, and placed them on the table.